PRLog - Nov. 2, 2012 - PEMBROKE, N.C. -- (Pembroke, NC) — The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi River, is actively developing a Cultural Enrichment Program, led by Tribal Chairman Paul Brooks—a leader who has made Lumbee tribal culture, heritage and identify a primary focus of the Tribal Government.

The Lumbee Cultural Enrichment Program has over 50 engagements throughout the Lumbee’s Tribal Territory—a geographic area that includes Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland and Scotland Counties—and it’s singular goal is to create opportunity for Native Americans living in it.

In alignment with the program, Chairman Brooks has been actively involved in the development of Lumbee youth and cultural initiatives, which have led to a stronger sense of identity for new generations of young men and women in the Tribe.

“We need to get our youth involved and actively participating in the development of a stronger community,” said Chairman Brooks, who is the 5th Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe. “When we invest in our youth, we are taking direct action that reduces their chance of being led down the wrong path.”

Chairman Brooks has always been concerned about the opportunity to preserve Lumbee traditions and heritage, but also about the threat of more modern issues like drugs or gang violence.

“It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, but I believe it takes a community to ensure that they stay on the right path,” added Brooks— whose involvement in the Cultural Enrichment Program is one of many more programs in his docket.

The Lumbee people have much to be proud about, not just because of its achievement in North Carolina, but well beyond Indian Country with the success of many famous Lumbees, to include Hollywood actress Heather Locklear and singer Jana Mashonee.

About the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

The Lumbee Tribe is the largest Native American tribe in the State of North Carolina, with its largest concentration in Robeson County, NC. The Lumbee Government is spearheaded by Tribal Chairman Paul Brooks, a respected businessman among the Lumbee people, whose experience and leadership has contributed to community and economic development to benefit the Lumbee Tribe, Robeson County and the State of North Carolina. The Lumbee Tribe has over 55,000 members, making it the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest in the nation.